SPONSORS EXPECT 350 ANGLERS AT FISHING CONTEST

It's so hot that even the fish in Lake Monroe are looking for shade -- a fact not expected to affect the Red Man Fishing Tournament on Sunday in Sanford.

Hot temperatures may encourage fish to hide in cool weeds on Lake Monroe's shore, but true anglers remain undaunted and still will try to hook the heftiest bass out there, says Charlie Evans of Operation Bass Inc., which organized the competition sponsored by the "chewing tobacco people."

Fishermen are limited to no more than seven fish. The angler with the biggest cache wins. Jim Bitter of Lady Lake in Lake County won last year with a total of 18 pounds and 13 ounces of fish.

Pairs of fishermen will hit the lake way before dawn cracks Sunday and are expected to finish fishing before the sun starts blistering, he said. The current heat wave could cause the one-day contest to be the shortest in the tournament's six-year history. However, the lure of competition and the first prize -- a tire company cap and jacket and a spittoon -- could draw as many as 350 anglers.

Even better bait, though, is the future. Sunday's winners could go on to regional competition in October. That winner could drive home in a new pickup truck, pulling a new boat and motor behind, Evans said. The winner also would compete for a $100,000 top prize in the national tournament in Arizona later this year, he added.

Only artificial bait will be used in the tournament. Evans said fish snap at live bait such as worms or crickets and often snare themselves on the hooks. Fish caught Sunday will be weighed and then returned to the lake.

Four other qualifying contests have been held in Florida, the most recent in Kissimmee earlier this year.

Registration starts 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Holiday Inn, near the Sanford Marina. The only requirement, besides a $50 entry fee, is that participants subscribe to the Cast magazine, published by Operation Bass Inc.